Moses Lake water, sewer rates increase

Annual increases reduce impact

MOSES LAKE — Water rates increase effective May 1 in Moses Lake.

The city began raising water rates annually due to a negative situation from several years ago, Finance Director Ron Cone said. Bond covenants were not being met in the past.

"The rate increase is minimal," Mayor Ron Covey said.

By raising rates annually, citizens avoid being charged sums of 20 percent to 35 percent all at once, he said. The 2007 increase is 3.1 percent.

The cost of zero to 500 cubic feet of water for residential areas increases from $19.40 per month to $20 per month. For each additional 100 cubic feet, the cost is 70 cents. Currently it costs 67 cents.

The billing cycle from November through March is $20 per month. The billing cycle from April to October increases from $33.30 per month to $40 per month, according to city documents.

The cost of zero to 1,000 cubic feet of water increases from $38.80 per month to $40 per month. For each additional 100 cubic feet of water the cost is 70 cents. The current cost is 67 cents.

Commercial water rates increase from $32.70 per month for the first 500 cubic feet of water used to $33.75 per month.

The cost for each additional 100 cubic feet of water increases to 70 cents.

Sewer rates increase from $29.85 per month to $30.80 per month for the first 1,000 cubic feet used. For each additional 100 cubic feet used, the cost is $1.15, a 4 cent increase.